#music

Wen Jie

Sep 7, 2021
3 min

Can Online Piano Lessons Be Effective?

Arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have been heavily affected and turned to online means for business continuity. This is no different for our community of piano teachers and students. Since the start of last year, piano teachers, parents and students have made the quick switch to an array of platforms (such as Zoom, Moodle, etc) to continue piano lessons. Yet the biggest question on our minds has still been - are online piano lessons effective? To answer thi

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Zoe Lim

Mar 16, 2021
2 min

How Long Does It Take To Learn Piano?

Beginners who are starting to learn the piano, would usually have this question in mind : How long would it take to learn the piano? It is definitely a challenging question to answer as there so many external factors to consider. How long are you willing to practice? Are you a fast or slow learner? What methods are the best way for you to learn and so on... As we are not calculators, all we can say is "It depends". It is not a satisfactory answer, of course. It doesn't even t

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Zoe Lim

Mar 1, 2021
1 min

Sound Effects But Acapella?

Acapella covers have been getting more and more interesting lately. Unlike Pitch Perfect's acapella group where they arrange and cover songs, the acapella group that you are going to see in a few seconds will be making special sound effects instead. Before proceeding, brace yourself, and expect the unexpected! iPhone Sound Effects 2. Samsung Galaxy Sound Effects 3. Windows Sound Effects 4. Mac Sound Effects The acapella group above is named MAYTREE, a Korean Acappella group

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Zoe Lim

Mar 1, 2021
2 min

The Evolution of Fashion In Music

Music and fashion has been correlated and intertwined for as long as we know. Starting from the 60s and 70s when psychedelic rock music was popular, and music festivals like Woodstock was well-known for their hippie culture and fashion. Crazy hair and bright colours was prevalent in the 80s fashion scene, which was very much compatible with the overwhelmingly popular disco music in that era. Then the 90s and early 2000s came, and grunge music surged in popularity, and suddenl

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Zoe Lim

Mar 1, 2021
2 min

Anime Opening Themes on Piano

Anime has been starting to get very popular among the general public in recent years! Starting with the TikTok trend of people cosplaying and imitating anime voice lines, to Japanese animated film Demon Slayer shattering a box-office record, it is no wonder why anime songs are beginning to appear everywhere! Previously, we had the unexpected surge in the popularity of 80s Japanese city pop songs, and now people are going crazy over anime themes. Well, we are hopping on the tr

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Zoe Lim

Feb 22, 2021
2 min

4 Tips for Memorising Music!

Practicing for a recital or a performance can be tough, especially if memorising is not your forte. In school, teachers would always tell us to memorise but not how to memorise. Well, there are 4 main ways in which you can practice memorising : visual, auditory, motor memory, and analyzing. Visual Memory Probably the most common way to memorise, visual memory is a form of memory which preserves some characteristics of our senses pertaining to visual experience. We are able to

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Zoe Lim

Feb 22, 2021
2 min

The Pedals of a Piano

Everyone knows about the piano keys and how they are played. However, most don't even know that pianos have pedals, let alone understanding their functions and what they're for. While using the pedals, it is best that press the pedal down with your heels on the ground, otherwise you might risk breaking them. To start off, there are 3 pedals : Sustain pedal, Soft pedal and the Middle pedal 1. Sustain Pedal / Damper Pedal The most commonly used, you could probably tell what it

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When Will Your Child Be Ready for Piano Lessons?

Zoe Lim

Feb 22, 2021
2 min

When Will Your Child Be Ready for Piano Lessons?

The numerous studies and journal articles documenting how a music education could benefit a child's development has caused parents around the world eager to jump-start music lessons for their children. But how do you tell if your child is ready for piano classes? Even with the right teacher and the right quality of teaching, if your child is not ready for music lessons, then you would be potentially wasting your expenses. With the following 3 pieces of advice, you should be a

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Guitar vs Piano : Which Should You Learn First?

Zoe Lim

Feb 18, 2021
2 min

Guitar vs Piano : Which Should You Learn First?

Most people pick up either piano or guitar as their first instrument. If you are someone who is interested in learning music, but don't know which instrument to pick for your musical journey, here are some fun facts about the two instruments! Hopefully, by the time you are done reading this article, you have an idea of which instrument to pick. Guitar vs Piano : Similarities Contrary to popular belief, piano is also a string instrument. The guitar has 6 strings while the pian

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Zoe Lim

Feb 16, 2021
2 min

How to Keep Your Piano Keys Clean?

Naturally, everyone carries bacteria and pathogens in their hands. As we practice on our keys, these microorganisms starts to spread in our practicing areas, which risks the contribution of diseases. Of course, washing your hands before playing on your keys is a good idea but is it enough? Bacteria accumulates and multiplies fast when a certain area isn't disinfected. To keep your piano clean and maintain its quality, sanitising your keyboard should not be overlooked. So how

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Celebrate with these 3 Chinese New Year Songs!

Zoe Lim

Feb 11, 2021
2 min

Celebrate with these 3 Chinese New Year Songs!

The time of family-gathering, reunion dinners and ang-bao givings is finally here! This year, Chinese New Year 2021 begins with the year of the Ox, and just like any other festival, the traditional songs and music are some of the most important aspects of the celebration. The following anthems are nothing short of the Chinese New Year staples, so get your speakers ready and blast away! 1. 财神到 (Cái Shén Dào) 财神到 is a popular celebratory song for the Chinese New Year. Every cor

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Zoe Lim

Feb 9, 2021
2 min

Can Metal Be Played on the Piano?

Heavy metal music has always been described as loud, energetic and packed with heavy distortion. Whereas, piano on the other hand, or rather, classical music is stereotypically described as calming, peaceful and something you would listen to while relaxing. The very idea of mixing heavy metal with piano may sound conflicting, but surprisingly enough, they do work well together! Professor Adrian North at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh conducted the largest study to date o

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Zoe Lim

Feb 6, 2021
2 min

3 Best Piano Makers In the World

Purchasing a high-quality piano is something every pianist wants, as it could guarantee a great investment in the long run. The richness of the sounds and tones are some of the most important features a pianist looks for in a piano. Unfortunately, the best quality pianos are also the most pricey ones. Below are 3 of the most popular and recognisable piano brands - meaning they produce the world's best quality pianos. 1. Steinway & Sons We can't have a list of the best piano b

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Should Babies Listen to Classical Music?

Zoe Lim

Feb 2, 2021
2 min

Should Babies Listen to Classical Music?

The saying goes that babies who listen to classical music may end up smarter. Is this fact or fiction? Let's dive in and find out if there are any benefits to exposing our infants to the world of classical music! Does music have an effect on babies in the womb? Music has a role in brain development whether one is in the fetal or infant stage. Listening to music while pregnant not only creates an uplifting atmosphere for the mother, but also stimulates a positive environment f

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3 Romantic Piano Songs (for Valentines Day!)

Zoe Lim

Jan 24, 2021
2 min

3 Romantic Piano Songs (for Valentines Day!)

The end of January is here, and in two weeks time, it is Valentines Day! A special occasion for those who are attached and in a relationship, sometimes music is all you need for a romantic date. Preparing a song for your partner is one of the most romantic things you can do, as it shows dedication and effort into impressing your date. You don't have to learn these on the piano (if you don't have the time!) but you can add them into your 'Valentine's Day' playlist. 1. Satie -

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Zoe Lim

Jan 24, 2021
2 min

The Difference Between a Cheap & Expensive Piano?

A fun activity you can do while you're bored, is to hear if you can spot sound differences between a cheap and expensive piano! The above video tests out pianos ranging from the prices of $600 - $360,000. Most would definitely expect a richer sound from the most expensive piano, but can you hear the difference in this video? An untrained ear may not be able to spot the difference easily compared to a trained ear. Nonetheless, it is a fun way to test out your hearing skills as

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Zoe Lim

Jan 19, 2021
1 min

The Most Difficult Piano Pieces

Looking at people attempt to play the most difficult piano pieces is always fun and entertaining. Personally, I would avoid these pieces at all costs as it could be rather discouraging. A piece’s technical demands which includes enormous jumps and uncomfortable speed could however, be a thrilling challenge to some. Here are some of the most feared and challenging piano pieces to play (in no particular order) : 1. 1836: Schumann’s Toccata in C Major Op. 7 The Toccata in C majo

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Zoe Lim

Jan 13, 2021
1 min

Motivating Classical Songs & Pieces

It's January - which means it's back to school season! To get your drive going, we have prepared a list of the top motivating classical pieces and songs for you to listen to. 1. Grieg - Holberg Suite (Rigaudon) It's difficult not to feel inspired and motivated while listening to this piece. The strings in this classical piece is the highlight you should be listening out for, as it encourages speed and brings in an uplifting spirit to brighten up your day! 2. Glinka - Ruslan a

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Benefits of Playing the Piano as a Senior

Zoe Lim

Jan 13, 2021
2 min

Benefits of Playing the Piano as a Senior

Most people would have begun learning the piano when they were a child or young adult. However, it is never too late to start playing the instrument even if you are aging towards 70 or 80 years of age. There have been studies conducted which have shown results of health benefits, suggesting that learning to play music can keep one mentally fit. Northwestern University has actually proven the above statements when they conducted research on the effects of piano and seniors. Th

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Zoe Lim

Jan 11, 2021
2 min

Are Piano Scales Necessary to Learn?

Practicing piano scales can be tiresome and daunting to some. Most of us piano players would rather play the songs we enjoy rather than practice scales and arpeggios all day long. Yet, at the end of the day, we all know that learning scales will be beneficial in the long run. However, are they absolutely necessary? The answer to that question - it depends. It all comes down to your goals and what you want to achieve in your musical journey. If you are preparing for an exam, y

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